Customer Reviews (1)

If you like Jerry, get this book
Fans of Jerry will get a deeper understanding of that kid, I enjoyed reading it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Must For R&R Historians And Fans Alike
Since I first picked up a copy of this 8 ½ x 11 volume on Jerry Lee Lewis I don't know how many times I've taken it down from the bookshelf and read it through cover to cover. One reason (other than the subject material - only my favourite R&R artist of all time), is perhaps the author himself, Robert Franklin Palmer Jr. Born on June 19, 1945 (he sadly passed away at an early age on November 20, 1997), this renowned musicologist and blues producer (e.g., The Memphis Blues Festival), who was also pretty adept at the clarinet and saxophone {he played in the 1960's band The Insect Trust), worked as a contributing editor for Rolling Stone, had articles appear in Saturday Review, Penthouse, Atlantic Monthly, The Journal Of American Folklore and Ethnomusicology, and became the first full-time R&R writer for the New York Times from 1976 to 1988.He is also the author of the 1981 book Deep Blues which chronicles Southern black roots of R&B.

Here he lends his talents to the life (to 1981) of Jerry Lee Lewis, now indeed (as his latest CD title states) The Last Man Standing. That relates to the legendary artists who passed through the famed Sun Studios - Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and, of course, Elvis Presley - all gone now except for Jerry Lee, who continues to pound that piano at the age of 73.

After a brief account of his early memories of Jerry Lee, and a picture of himself at age 12, Palmer delivers an often fascinating glimpse into the development of R&R's first "bad boy" - from his formative years through his marriage to Myra and the subsequent lean years when no radio stations would play his music, to his emergence as one of the best Country entertainers of all time.

Photos abound as well, most (of course) of The Killer in action on stage, some candid shots with Myra (including one of the 14-year-old bride and Jerry Lee with their first son in hospital shortly after his birth), one of Sam Phillips, and another showing Sun Studios next door to Taylor's Restaurant.

This is a book that should be put back into print as soon as possible. ... Read more

Product Description
Jerry Lee Lewis is a legend in the music business.For thefirst time Linda Gail Lewis tells all - the highs and lows, drinks anddrugs, wives and lovers, gold records and busts.The story of Jerry Leeand Linda Gail is the story of Nashville and country music for the last 30years.It's a story that fans will be reading about and asking, "Can youbelieve that?" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee
This book was wonderfully written by the person who knew Jerry Lee best-- sister Linda Gail-- a recording artist who has a very special talent. I thought I knew just about everything in regards to the family, but there were many things Linda mentioned that were interesting and new. Such as-- I had always thought they lived in Ferriday when Jerry was starting out, but during part of that time they were living in Black River, La.Close, very close to Ferriday.Alsothe first record Jerry Lee ever made was "Don't Stay Away Too Long Darlin'
All of their ups and down, both personally and professionaly, made for page turning reading.
This is one book for all of Jerry Lee and Linda Gail fans to read and enjoy

The Killer-ess
There is no question about it: "The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee" is entertaining and fast reading. The author is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. It is for those of us that already appreciate the Killer. Folks who don't know who "The Killer" is should stop reading this review now. The faithful will be treated to a tale of life on the road and a little on the wild side of Jerry Lee. There are few surprises for those familiar with Lewis' past. His up and down career is covered form the mid -1950s at Sun Records in Memphis until the "present day". It's a bit foggy, perhaps intentionally so, as to what the Killer is doing right now. To quote the trailer in the movie "Great Balls of Fire" `he is probably playing his heart out-somewhere'. DMJL also tells the tale of the author's own strange career both on and off stage. The details of the latter are frank, earthy and mostly believable. (As to the former, it's a mystery: What "career" did Linda Gail have?Billboard credits her with 2 chart hits.) They are delivered in a take me or leave me fashion, just the way her big brother would want. The author has a definite manipulative charm to her, a trait she no doubt shares with her sibling. I am certain her 8 husbands could attest to that! The bottom line is that DMJL is recommended for Lewis fans only. The story won't win any new ones. Any serious country fan should possess at least one Killer CD. Amazon has several available! Jerry Lee is an entertainer one has to listen to, not merely read about. As for his little sister, she wore me down:5 stars.

Wonderful story!Laughter, heartache, shocker all in one!!
What a great story and well written.Coming from a religious family, I enjoyed reading all the interesting circumstances that Linda and her big family went through.I've never read a much more shocking story andlaughed so hard!!Double Thumbs Up!!!!!

A candid look behind the scenes of one of Rock's Icons.
I found this book to be a very interesting look at the upbringing and early influences on Jerry Lee's life which was not detailed in earlier books on his life.It was sometimes shocking, but always interesting.

Like talking one-on-one with Linda Gail Lewis.
Reading this book is like having a conversation with Linda Gail Lewis over a cup of coffee. If youlike knowing the inside scoop, this book is a must read. Sit down to and have a heart-to-heart talk! ... Read more

Product Description
Using interviews with Jerry Lewis and many of his co-stars, this book analyzes his collaborative efforts with Dean Martin, his subsequent solo work, his writing and directorial careers, and more recent movies such as Hardly Working (1979) and The King of Comedy (1982). Comprehensive filmographic data are provided for each of the films, with cast and production credits, studio, release date, and running time. Lewis's own reflections on his work are included for many of the entries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Must!
This book is a must for fans of Jerry Lewis, for students of film, for historians, and pop culture buffs!!

This is an especially wonderful publication for fans who don't want to dig up gossip, but simply want to appreciate the work of the entertainer they admire.This book is packed with information and wonderful black and white photos (many not avaliable anywhere else).

I appreciate that the authors dedicated the book to Mr. Lewis and it reads like a well-referenced and studied labor of love.

A Great Artist Finally Gets the Proper Respect
With all the other things on his plate--his charitable endeavors, stage performances--Jerry Lewis' impressive film career is often overlooked. The authors, with Mr. Lewis' cooperation, have done a commendable job puttingthis baby together.Jerry's comments at the end of each moviesynopis/review are invaluable to admirers of this comic genius. Even JerryLewis' cinematic "failures" are infinitely more interesting thanmost actor/director's "successes." I value this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The rare how-to book by a successful writer-director-actor-producer
Some things have changed since a set of circa-1970 film school lectures was transcribed into this book, but it's the best of the dozen or so how-to books I've read on making movies. The thrust: keep a hand in the technical stuff, but master the human elements. Of course. But the details are there, concrete and vivid in a way I haven't seen elsewhere. A lot of 'What you've got to do to stay on top of things,' and, 'What to do when things are about to go haywire,' and the like. There are some particularly insightful sections on the special demands of comedy.

At the end of the book there's a bit about how the advent of home video would increase the demand for movies - the U.S. studios were then putting out less than 100 films a year. And then, this little gem:

"Recently I saw a film made by a twenty-one-year-old, Steven Spielberg. It was twenty-four minutes of film called 'Amblin', produced for around $17,000. It rocked me back. He displayed an amazing knowledge of film-making as well as creative talent."

Mr. Lewis knows his stuff. Highly recommended.

I Think I Love Films And Those Who Love Them Better Than Just About Anything Else In The World
"I THINK I LOVE FILMS AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEM BETTER THAN JUST ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD ---
and I hope when you read this book you will become a part of the already overwhelming number of film-loving people."
-J. L.
[from the book]

Woooooahhh Lady!Buy Jerry's book!
Without doubt, this is the best book on movie Directing I have ever read.I have hundreds of film books, and I give Jerry's book my highest recommendation.Nobody else even comes close, but a great second choice would be my friend Mark Travis's "Director's Journey."(At least until my book is out.)

If you're serious about getting great performances from Actors for your movie, on any size budget, and how to make your movie crew run faster and jump higher, find Jerry's book, and read it.Don't waste any time!

When I find a copy of this book, I buy it, to give to deserving film friends.Google me and tell me why you deserve one.Either hardbound or the paperback editions, buy Jerry's book!

The Great Professor
This book was published in 1971 and, since then, several other books tried to teach young film-makers how to make a movie. Well, some people say that filmmaking changed in 30 years, you now have digital cameras and digitalsound, you have amazing special effects, but the basic is all in the book.And, most important: If you are a young film-maker, you won't work withspecial effects and a million-dollar budget. Jerry Lewis put everything onthe book: The pre-production, budget, the filming itself, homework, and thepos-production, with editing and mixing. And distribution. But the book isreally how to relate with the people that you are working with, actors andcrew. If you have ever been in a set, you know how hard it can be. JerryLewis gives us advice. Maybe you don't follow all of his advices but, evenso, you have to think about. What he says makes sense. And that is morethan you can say about most of the men who writes about filmmaking. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than half a century Jerry Lewis has cultivated multiple and contradictory self-images: the idiot kid, the Las Vegas showman, the auteur-director, the telethon philanthropist, the elder statesman of American show business. His work has provoked extremes of critical adulation and hostility on both sides of the Atlantic.

Frank Krutnik discusses Lewis's partnership with Dean Martin in the late 1940s and early 1950s, exploring how their performances elaborated on a wartime theme of male bonding. Examining such early '60s solo works as The Bellboy, The Nutty Professor, and The Patsy, Krutnik probes the ways in which Lewis both dismantled the conventions of film comedy and manipulated his public identity. Charting the decline of Lewis's film career and his simultaneous rise to fame as the emotional powerhouse of the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon, Krutnik also traces Lewis's attempt to create a serious, adult image to replace that of the aging "kid." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantab ulus
Any book wirtten on this man is worth having in ones collection.There is great detail and powerful information that shows what a true genius the great Jerry Lewis is.

Buy Buy Bye! ... Read more

Product Description
Spotlights four popular comedians and discusses their roles in the renaissance of the comedy film. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents 40 tricks which can be performed with simple materials such as coins, matches, and water glasses. ... Read more

Product Description
The training manual that martial artists everywhere have been wanting for more than 20 years is finally here! No one has ever equalled the record of Lewis, the winner of more tournaments than any other man. This is his complete training system, which will show you what it takes to win every time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Lewis book by Beasley
I first met Joe at the Raleigh, NC YMCA in 1981. Joe had a room there. He liked be close to the gym and his training partners. I went down to train with the karate legend often in the eighties. Usually we would spar for an hour or so, clean up, go out to eat and then return to his room to record an interview. I had rolls of photos and hours of tape so I decided to type up the interviews and organize the chapters for a book. I kept the better photos for magazine articles that appeared in many of the martial arts magazines in the eighties and nineties. I think we may have had 20-30 Joe Lewis articles published over the years.
As Joe was talking about his early life I could tell there were good feelings and bad. I focused only on what I thought would be favorable for his public image. Joe has a sense of humor that I tried to convey. He was very proud of the book and sent copies to his friends.
The title was a given. In 1983 Karate Illustrated magazine had queried 22+ former karate champs and asked each to list their top ten. Joe's name appeared on every list. Chuck Norris' name was on every list except one or two. About two years later Black Belt ran the same article but deleted the two that did not include Norris. So technically Norris and Lewis tied in the Black Belt rewrite.I felt like I should put Joe as the lead author since I basically edited the interviews I had recorded into a book. I think Joe wrote the last chapter on American Karate. I also signed over all royaltiesto the champ. It was a fun, quickand easy book to write. I considered it to be a publicity piece but everyone seemed to enjoy it. I think it's worth reading. It is out of print so if you can find a copy better get it.

A fair basic guide to karate and american kick-boxing legend Joe Lewis.
As someone who has been around the martial arts scene for quite some time, I still have old Black Belt issues from the 1960s when a young Joe Lewis just out of the Marines began competing in Karate.I recall he made black belt in six months when he was stationed in Okinawa. This book presents a closer look at Joe Lewis but it did lack depth.I know he was initially into wrestling but there was little information on that part of his life.I have always admired him for entering the full contact kickboxing field and becoming a champion in that full contact sport. Since I began my karate training with Shotokan, and we never entered outside tournaments I never had an opportunity to see him in action in those early years of karate.In any case, this is a book that will be of interest to anyone who desires to know something about the historical karate legend Joe Lewis.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu Manual, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).

Greatest Karate Fighter of All Time:Joe Lewis
Joe Lewis and Dr. Jerry Beasley provide insight to Joe's American Karate System, starting with Joe's youth to his USMC days to his training with Bruce Lee and finally on to Joe's own personal system.The writing is good although Paladin Press could have done a better job with the photos.(I point out that if you buy such a book strickly for the photos you bought it for the wrong reason.)I have known Joe Lewis personally for many years and have attended his Black Belt Conferences; I have observed him up close on many occasion and I still find this book is well worth the cost.I recommend any books written by Joe Lewis and/or Dr. Jerry Beasley; you can always pickup pointers from any of their writings.

The Pioneer of American Karate In Print
This book, by Joe Lewis and Dr. Jerry Beasley, is divided in two parts.The first section is a biographary on Joe Lewis, considered by many in the martial arts world as the gretest karate fighter of all time; hence thetitle of the book.This section is at times, written in the first andthird person, so the reader gets an idea as to what goes inside the mind ofLewis. This part is frank and sincere and many things said may not be welllike by traditionalist.

Lewis speaks about his training in Okinawa, thestates and with Bruce Lee.He talks about pioneering full-contact karate(aka kickboxing)and point karate.The next section, American KarateFighting is the bulk of the book.

It also is a let down.The quality ofthe photos is average.The book works, but for someone who has studied themartial arts for over 20 years, nothing new is really mentioned.Thetraditional fighter may see something new, but, I doubt manytraditionalists, who are not into contemporary fighting ideas, willprobably not be interested in this book anyway.

The book is average atbest (Probably could rate it lower but think that to get a little insidethe mind of Lewis is worth the average rating)and for a skilled writer likeDr. Beasely (The Way of No Way), I expected a lot more.

Combat Wrestling Forever
The Book is way too short and he never talks about catch-as-catch-can-wrestling.Joe Lewis was a good fighter in his day.....as far as karate types go but equip wrestlers with submission holds and the karate types just fall by the way-side.Again, he never talksabout wrestling at all! ... Read more

Product Description
Arranged for Piano, & Guitar With Lyrics, Chords and Chord Frames. Matching songbook to the smash 2006 release. Contents: Title Rock And Roll Before The Night Is Over Pink Cadillac Evening Gown You Don t Have To Go Twilight TravelinBand That Kind Of Fool Just A BumminAround Honky Tonk Woman What s Made Milwaukee Famous Don t Be Ashamed Of Your Age Couple More Years, A Old Glory Trouble In Mind I Saw Her Standing There Lost Highway Hadacohl Boogie Irish Heart Beat, The Pilgrim Ch. 33, The ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

last man standing
If you love the piano and you love jerry lee lewis ...
then this is it!! all the songs from his latest album
(exept sweet little sixteen)great book!!!

Last, but definitely not least
I previously ordered "Jerry Lee Lewis: Greatest Hits" songbook and liked it so much that I decided to go ahead and get the "Last Man Standing" songbook, even though I don't yet have the album and am not as familiar with the songs (since most were popularized by other artists). I was not disappointed with this book at all - it's a first-rate addition to my sheet music collection and, now, when I play one of the songs, people say, "WOW!" So, I'm glad to be able to share these songs in Jerry Lee's style with friends and family.
I recommend this book for the intermediate to advanced pianist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Rockin'&Rollin'&Ramblin'!!
This book reads as if it was started with a great burst of energy,lost steam somewhere along the line,was abandoned,picked back up,dusted off,put down again,and then finished off for a payday...I had great expectations for this work as Charles White was involved,the Killer was clean and sober and was eager to tell his story (set the record right) after his ex wife (and probably only true love) Myra came out with Great Balls of Fire which was made into the movie of the same name.Unfortunately,well... we get a rambling,somewhat incoherent hodge podge of rehashed stories that have been told and retold for the most part,and Jerry Lee really adds nothing new to them. There are some worthwhile nuggets;Jerry's brief profiles of some of his contemporaries,a few words on his substance abuse problems,and some great color commentary of touring life during the early days,however,what becomes apparent is that most of the time EVERYONE AROUND the Killer seems eager to tell jerry's life for him and he either lets them because it serves his purpose ,or he is resigned to this type of treatment,or maybe he is so crispy that he just doesn't have it in him.Whatever the reason,this book is definitely NOT THEstory of Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis as it should be told.
This book is still a riveting read simply because one never knows where the rambling might lead!The frustrating point is knowing that this effort could have been so much more IF the Killer could have reached down inside and demanded from himself and from those around him that he be heard. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Mostly good reading
I have read this book a couple of times, along with Nick Tosches book on Dino. I like to read about the lives of different entertainers and find that Dean Martin was probably one of the most fascinating personalities ofhis time.The fact that he was such a private person makes him that muchmore intriguing. I do feel Arthur Marx did the best he could with theinformation he had, but I cannothonestly give this book 5 stars. I'llread it again and maybe I'll change my mind.

Mostly good reading
I have read this book a couple of times, along with Nick Tosches book on Dino. I like to read about the lives of different entertainers and find that Dean Martin was probably one of the most fascinating personalities ofhis time.The fact that he was such a private person makes him that muchmore intriguing. I do feel Arthur Marx did the best he could with theinformation he had, but I cannothonestly give this book 5 stars. I'llread it again and maybe I'll change my mind.

Arthur Marx had more facts straight than did Nich Toshes
I have this book and the reading is good.Actually this book seems to bemost of the research for Nick Toshes book. Minus the mob and language. Although you get the feeling that Arthur Marx really knew and liked thesubjects he's writting about. Would recommend it to be included in anycollectors library. ... Read more

Product Description
Mattie J.T. Stepanek is an award-winning poet whose struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has touched the lives of people nationwide. Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth inspiring collection of poetry, features works written between the ages of three and eleven, and continues to spread Mattie's message of universal hope, peace, courage, and love. Fully illustrated by the poet, the collection will appeal to people of all ages, religions, and beliefs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Mattie Stephanek book
Mattie was a special soal.His heart was an inspiration to anyone who ever saw or met Mattie.I miss him.He spoke with his loving heart.
A joy child who contributed so much in his short life.Everyone should
read what he shared with the world.

Mattie Stepanek Still LIVES and Breathes
This AUDIO BOOK of spoken poetry is the 4th installment of the 5 original VSP-Published books of HeartSongs by Mattie Stepanek.Celebrate Through Heartsongs is among some of his very best poetic efforts.Mattie Stepanek died on 22 June 2004 (at age 13) from Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Mattie was a confirmed genius, but a humble and sweet one who loved God and hated no one.This is a collection of poems that speak volumes about Mattie's wisdom and insights into such difficult topics as:Fear, Love, Suffering, Lonliness, Relationships, Life's Goals/Dreams, and Impending Death.Mattie had the wisdom and understanding of a 52 year old adult.

This audio book of Mattie's poems(in fact ALL of the 5 books) is read by Mattie, himself.He is 100% genuine and 100% endearing!His voice alone, gives the listener marvelous glimmers of his erudite, but very gentle personality.

Rate the book, not the author.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a rare soul and a lesson to all of us. He was a brave and courageous child, who despite suffering from a life-threatening illness that took the life of his three siblings, remained optimistic, and definitely had a wisdom beyond his years.

If this were a rating for the author as a person, then he would definitely rate 5 stars and beyond. However, as this rating is intended for the poetry and for the book, then I have to be honest. The meter and rhythm of the poems are extremely awkward.

While free verse poetry is not intended to have a regular metrical pattern, it is supposed to have rhythm and other poetic devices that make it poetry so that even when it's read aloud, one can tell that it's poetry, regardless of whether or not it rhymes. In all honesty, Mattie's poems sound like prose that has divided up into many lines to look like poetry.

Now here is a role model for our children!
I am a single mother of a 7 month little boy, Georgi.My mother bought all of Mattie's books for me to read to my son and I am so grateful to have Mattie's books which celebrate love, tolerance and peace.I will use Mattie's books for guidance to raise a mindful young man who I hope also chooses to become a peacemaker and poet.God bless Mattie and his mother.We are blessed to have known Mattie who inspired so many people.The world is a better place because he lived!

Mattie - May you rest in peace. Some angels will envy you.
I'd never heard of Mattie until I tuned into Larry King one night during June 2004 to watch his show. The show was dedicated to Mattie after his untimely death from muscular dystrophy. All I can say is that I was both moved and inspired. Hearing Mattie (the show was a re-run of his 2002 appearance) read his poetry was just amazing. He saw things in ways that only a child could see. Maybe as we grow up, we look at the world differently, but his vision of the world through his poetry was refreshing and inspirational.
Being a screenwriter, I am always looking for inspiration. I have a young female character that I had developed only so far. It appears Mattie was the missing piece. It seems I was "meant" to watch that show, to take something from it. I will now complete that character by moulding some of Mattie's ideals and traits into that character.

Mattie, in your short life, you achieved more than I think I have in my 28 years on this Earth. I am a dreamer and much of my time has been wasted dreaming. Your illness was was your weakness, but your strenght showed how weak I am. Time is precious and you made the most of your time on this Earth.

With your poetry, you will have the last word. Hopefully we can all take something from your words, that are so simple, but are formed in such an awe-inspiring way. The world is complicated right now. But simple is always best. And you were the best. God Bless. ... Read more